Abstract:
Fulfillment of human needs necessitates activities that have their positive and
negative aspects. Crusher plant operation is not an exception. One of the major
concerns related to these activities is its impact on worker health and safety.
Although noise and vibration related legislation focus on reduction at the source,
provision of personal protective equipment is considered as an effective method of
control. The focus of this study was to look for control strategy for noise and foot
transmitted vibration hazards related to fixed machineries in crusher plants. Six
crusher plant sites were selected based on their varying production capacity for the
study. Accordingly, selected sites were visited to carry out area noise and wholebody
vibration surveys. Plant arrangement, details of crusher units, prevailing
meteorological conditions and ground conditions were also recorded. Daily
exposure levels were determined and sound and whole-body vibration contour
maps were developed based on Control of Noise and Vibration at Work Regulations
Act 2005. Relationship of areas of hazardous zones w i t h production capacity was
determined using statistical tools and the level of worker awareness was studied
through one to one interviews. Cost effective controls are recommended by
studying the best practices.
Citation:
Thiruchittampalam, S., Kinoj, A., Ekanayake, E.M.C.K., Vithurshan, S., Hemalal, P.V.A., Samaradivakara, G.V.I., Rohitha, L.P.S., & Chaminda, S.P. (2018). Noise and vibration control in crusher plant activities to enhance health and safety of workers. . In A.M.K.B. Abeysinghe & G.V.I. Samaradivakara (Eds.), Proceedings of International Symposium on Earth Resources Management & Environment 2018 (pp. 3-10). Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa.
